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following he accepted an invitation to visit
Boston, where he was entertained with elaborate receptions (one at
Mr. Everett's), and presented with a pitcher and a sword.
Governor Andrew and other members of the
State government were ignored in the festivities.
It was almost the last effort of the expiring conservatism of
Boston to rally on the old lines.
The plot was already in progress to put
McClellan forward as the opposing candidate to
Lincoln in the election of 1864.
Sumner wrote to the
Duchess of
Argyll, Jan. 4, 1863:—
I send you a “monthly” containing three cantos of Longfellow's translation of Dante.
I always thought the “Paradiso” dull and difficult, although at times beautiful with thought and poetry.
This translation shows the original as it is in metre, language, and thought.
“The planting of the Apple Tree” 1 seems to me an exquisite poem by a true poet who loves England, and therefore grieves now.
We are now occupied with the great question what to do for the new-made freedmen, that their emancipation may be a blessing to them and to our country.
It is a vast problem, on which we need sympathy and good-will.
A happy New Year to you!
Some wish for war in Europe, because France and England will then see their duty towards us. I long that these countries may see their duties; but I am against war everywhere, and with my whole heart.
To
Lieber, January 17:—
These are dark hours.
There are senators fill of despair,—not I.
The President tells me that he now fears “the fire in the rear” —meaning the Democracy, especially at the Northwest—more than our military chances.
But I fear that our army is everywhere in a bad way. I see no central inspiration or command; no concentration, no combination which promises a Jena.
Again, January 23:—
There can be no armistice, although Greeley has favored mediation, to which an armistice must be an incident.
The war will go on. The storm prevented a great battle last Tuesday.
I found Stanton last evening cheerful,—confident that we should soon have Vicksburg.
The army at Fredericksburg is now 180,000 men,—68,000 horses and mules, for which there is daily forage, including 16,000 cavalry and 6,000 wagons.
Where in history was such a force, thus appointed, gathered together?
Stanton says it ought to be able to go on its belly to Richmond. . . . Is it not wretched in McDougall to bring forward those resolutions about France and Mexico?
He has entreated me to let them be taken up and discussed.
I shall stop the discussion if I can, and so told him.
